Greater Wellington Regional Council has publicly notified its proposed Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region.

The Proposed Plan will replace the existing Regional Coastal Plan as well as the four operative regional plans that govern air quality, freshwater, discharges to land and soil.

The contents of the Proposed Plan are the result of the Council’s engagement with many different parts of the community. The Council has sought to recognise the growing need to better protect valuable air, land, freshwater and coastal resources for future generations, but also to balance this need with sustainable economic growth and cultural and social development. The region’s Mana Whenua has also had significant input in identifying mana whenua values for water at a regional and catchment scale.

How will the Proposed Plan affect your business?

The Proposed Plan contains rules relating to the coastal environment, air quality, freshwater and discharges to land and soil. The broad scope of these rules means the effects of the Proposed Plan will be far-reaching.

Any businesses that undertakes activities with the potential to affect natural resources within the Wellington region should consider reviewing the Proposed Plan and making a submission.

All existing Regional Plans and rules will remain operative until the Proposed Plan process is completed. However some rules in the Proposed Plan will have legal effect from the date of notification. This means both the operative Regional Plans and the Proposed Plan should be considered when considering whether resource consent is necessary for activities you undertake.

Timeline

Council notified the Proposed Plan on 31 July 2015. The submission period is now open and will close on 25 September 2015 at 5pm.

Should you make a submission?

If you would like advice on the impact of the Proposed Plan on you or your business, or assistance with preparing submissions, we would be very happy to help. While the submission period closes on 25 September 2015, we suggest getting underway early to allow time for discussions with Council staff and a thorough assessment.